The Hodgepodge-Required Reading For A Wednesday

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge!  I'm so glad you're joining the fun here...be sure to add your link before you go a-visiting.  Here are my answers-

1. The USA will mark Columbus Day on Monday, October 14th this year...what's something you need or want to explore (literally or metaphorically speaking)?

I'm always examining my own head and heart.  Just ask my hubs who oftentimes tells me I think too much.  There is a kernel of truth there.  Still, I feel certain I'll continue exploring my relationships, my faith, and my passions for as long as I live. These are the pieces of life with the potential, and oftentimes the need,  for change and growth. 

On the flip side, there are literally hundreds of places in this big wide world I'd like to explore, so there's also that.

"Every hundred feet the world changes." Roberto Bolano 

2. The Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, Ursula from The Little Mermaid, or Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty...who do you most love to hate?

Ursula for sure! The Little Mermaid is one of my family's all time favorite flicks. I think Ursula is delightfully creepy, while The Wicked Witch of the West is just plain creepy.  

3. Is open-mindedness a virtue?

Hmmm...this might be a trick question. I guess so, if by open-minded you mean a willingness to listen to new ideas or an opinion different than my own.  That being said, for me this term holds a more negative connotation than it once did.  It seems in the 21st century this term is often a precursor to dialogue going off the rails in our country.  

If you hold an opinion contrary to mine, and I listen and consider your point of view, but in the end retain my original position, that doesn't make me close minded.  It just means I think differently than you.  Sadly there are so many issues in America today where if you don't jump on the bandwagon you're called names and said to be close minded and intolerant.

4. How often do you weigh yourself?

Rarely. I don't own a scale, but about once a month I step on the one at the gym to see how I'm doing. 

5. This question comes to you courtesy of Rebecca over at Making Memories, so thanks Rebecca!

Costa Rica was recently named the happiest country in the world on The Happy Planet Index.  What's the happiest country in the world to you, and what makes it so?

Anybody wanna guess what I'm gonna say here? Ha. 
Italy of course!

I don't really need to say why do I?  I thought not. 

6. Besides The Bible, what is one book you think should be mandatory reading for every high school student?

This question is almost impossible for me to answer. There are a number of books I think should be read while in high school, and then reread later in life.  What you take away from a book at age 17 is sometimes quite different than what you take away at age 47.  And then sometimes it's not, which is also interesting.   

I think everyone should read some Steinbeck, Fitzgerald, and Twain.  Books that have weathered the test of time are at least worth checking out for yourself.  I read Beowulf in 12th grade, and doubt I would have picked that up on my own so I think required reading of hard stuff is good for the teenage brain.  

I've seen The Book Thief on some of the more modern lists and I loved that one. Actually I might choose Elie Wiesel's-Night which is based on the author's experience as a 15 year old boy in Auschwitz.  I actually read that one in Junior High and it has never left me.  

7. I went shopping at some nearby outlets last week, and while I was there, I picked up a couple of Christmas gifts. How about you? Have you started your holiday shopping yet?

I think I answered my own question in the question.  Rest assured, I've barely gotten started, and this is ridiculously early for me.  I tend to do most of my shopping in December, even though every single year I vow to do otherwise.  I guess this year I have, so whoohoo!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My two blog friends aka-random strangers I 'met' on the Internet, arrive tomorrow for what I'm sure will be a fun filled few days. Here's a sneak peek at one tiny little thing on our weekend itinerary-